November 2012

Ford Fusion named 'Green Car of Year' at L.A. Auto Show

(November 30, 2012) LOS ANGELES — The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion has been named Green Car Journal's 2013 Green Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show. The Fusion emerged on top of an exceptional field of finalists including the 2013 Dodge Dart Aero, Ford C-MAX, Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV and the Toyota Prius c.

Chevrolet Volt tops Consumer Reports’ owner-satisfaction survey

(November 30, 2012) YONKERS, NY — Would you get the same vehicle if you had to do it all over again? That’s the single, revealing question the Consumer Reports National Research Center asked subscribers in its annual Owner-Satisfaction survey—and the answer for Chevrolet Volt owners was a resounding “yes.”

Lexus, Mini rank highest in J.D. Power sales satisfaction study

(November 29, 2012) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Lexus ranked highest among luxury brands in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study released Wednesday. Mini ranks highest among mass market brands for a third consecutive year, with a score of 712.

Edmunds.com offers advice to Suzuki owners and shoppers

(November 27, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — When American Suzuki announced earlier this month that it will discontinue U.S. sales, there was a lot of speculation that prices on remaining Suzuki cars and trucks would hit rock bottom, just as Saab prices plummeted thousands of dollars soon after that company made a similar announcement in 2011.

'Driver Assists' YouTube channel debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show

(November 27, 2012) WASHINGTON — To highlight the growing popularity of a new class of auto technologies called "Driver Assists," automakers today launched a new YouTube channel in conjunction with the Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens on Nov. 30. The YouTube channel is the first part of a consumer campaign to highlight the benefits of Driver Assist technologies.

Toyota wins 2013 best resale value award by Kelley Blue Book

(November 26, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — Toyota has been named the best resale brand for the 2013 model-year in the annual Best Resale Value Awards by Kelley Blue Book, which recognizes current and forthcoming vehicles for their projected retained value throughout the initial five-year ownership period. Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus, was named the best resale value brand in the luxury category.

2013 Viper — the Snake returns

(November 24, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The all-new 2013 SRT Viper is making its long-awaited return to the high-performance sports-car market flush with new technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its legacy of American craftsmanship and visceral performance.

Chevrolet agrees: The bowtie is back

(November 23, 2012) Always the height of sartorial elegance and with an undeniable air of prestige, the bowtie is "back" in fashion circles. Worn by leaders and trend setters, it offers the wearer something a little different. Carmaker Chevrolet, whose company logo is referred to as the Chevrolet bowtie, couldn't agree more.

November new-vehicle selling rate bounces back, J.D. Power reports

(November 22, 2012) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — The new-vehicle retail selling rate returned to a healthy level in November after being negatively impacted by Hurricane Sandy in October, according to a monthly sales forecast developed by J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network (PIN) and LMC Automotive.

Study finds how car companies use Facebook in booming India auto market

(November 22, 2012) CHENNAI, India — As middle class India mobilizes on a scale not seen since 1960's America, having a car is no longer a luxury of the few but an essential part of everyday life. The car market in India has come a long way since the Premier and the Ambassador, with today's discerning buyer being able to choose from a Tata Nano up to an Audi R8.